instead

adverb

in·​stead in-ˈsted 

1

: as a substitute or equivalent

was going to write but called instead

2

: as an alternative to something expressed or implied : rather

longed instead for a quiet country life

Synonyms of instead

• rather

Examples of instead in a Sentence

I was offered a ride, but I chose to walk instead.

Recent Examples on the Web

Or don’t bother with the menu, ask the waiter for his daily recommendations instead. —Cnt Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Mar. 2026

The Senate passed a deal that excluded money for Immigration and Customs Enforcement, which was promptly rejected by House Republicans, who plan to advance an eight-week, short-term bill that funds all of DHS instead. —Asher Notheis, The Washington Examiner, 30 Mar. 2026

However, this same energy could instead spotlight a home, domestic or real estate matter, instead. —ABC News, 30 Mar. 2026

The example given was CPT codes intended for one-to-one physical therapy services when the patients instead participated in group setting sessions. —Paula Wethington, CBS News, 30 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1667, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing instead

• instead of

Rhymes for instead

• abed
• ahead
• beachhead
• bedspread
• bedstead
• behead
• blackhead
• blockhead
• bloodshed
• bowhead
• breastfed
• bridgehead

Kids Definition

instead

adverb

in·​stead in-ˈsted 

: as a substitute

was going to write but called instead